35,000 SNAP interviews to be scheduled to process applications amid challenges in Tennessee

“As we make continuous strides to develop innovative strategies to manage processing times for SNAP cases, our Family Assistance division at the Department of Human Services is taking proactive measures to address this issue. The department has scheduled 35,000 federally mandated interviews starting January 22nd through January 26th to expedite the processing of pending SNAP applications. As a reminder, SNAP applicants must complete the interview to obtain eligible benefits,” TDHS said.

The department also shared some tips for applicants preparing for these interviews:

• Make sure your contact information is correct via the One DHS Customer Portal
• Review your scheduled interview date and time via the One DHS Customer Portal
• Submit your verification documents as soon as possible via the One DHS Customer Portal. For more information on required documents needed, please review the TDHS website.
• Lastly, keep your phone nearby.

If you’re awaiting a phone call, you can expect one from any of the following numbers: 866-311-4287, 615-984-0902, or 615-532-0762. Staffers will make at least two attempts to reach the applicant for the scheduled interview, TDHS said.

“At TDHS, we are dedicated to ensuring that our valued customers receive their needed benefits as timely as possible,” Commissioner Clarence H. Carter said.

“By scheduling 35,000 federally mandated interviews this week, we believe it will significantly enhance our efforts to streamline our SNAP processing times. In preparation of our efforts, we kindly ask that customers upload all required documents through the One DHS Customer portal prior to the interview. By doing this, cases could be completed during the interview process. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time, and we remain dedicated to make continuous improvements as we work to better serve our customers.”